Passport Wallets for Airport
Apr 19th, 2006, 02:44 PM
#21
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The only purse I use is an old, huge LV bucket & after rooting through that for passport, boarding pass, etc. I got one of the neck bags (looks like a Kipling but it's not.) It's flat with a top zipper & I wouldn't be without it on a trip.
Apr 19th, 2006, 03:36 PM
#22
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Well I'm another dorky person with that thing around my neck, but for me,, it is great. I know it's there and secure, also holds my green card. I just turn it to my side once on the plane and zip up my jacket, or put it down the front of my shirt. If I have to go the restroom - I don't have to worry about taking my purse with me. Passport safely in it and $$$ safely in my money belt. It's there when I go through passport control and at check in at the hotel. It takes up literally no room in my suitcase and I repeat the whole routine on the trip home. On one very tight connection with my coat and duty free bag in one hand and my carryon in the other, the checkin person just took my boarding pass and passport out of my little dorky holder for me and put it all back in. Works for me, dorky or not.
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:02 PM
#23
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I'm really no help at all on this thread, because I don't use one of the passport wallets, but just thought I'd chime in to let you know that an overly-zealous (to my mind) airport security person insisted that my friend's passport wallet was a "carry on" and refused to let her through the security screen with it.
This was in Chicago. My friend was traveling with a very small rolling backpack, and she had another tiny camera case (the ones that are about 3 x 4 x 2 inches) around her neck as her pocketbook - in addition, she had a passport wallet around her neck. The screener insisted that this amounted to the equivalent of three carry-ons and wouldn't allow her to enter the security line. The friend had to take off the "pocketbook" and tuck it into her carryon to be allowed in the queue.
Weird, but an absolutely true story. (Of course, Chicago was a horrible airport experience for us overall, so we probably should have been prepared for this. See my trip report "Four Women, Two Weeks, One Rental Car" for more info.)
Just one more thing to "worry about."
Gayle
This was in Chicago. My friend was traveling with a very small rolling backpack, and she had another tiny camera case (the ones that are about 3 x 4 x 2 inches) around her neck as her pocketbook - in addition, she had a passport wallet around her neck. The screener insisted that this amounted to the equivalent of three carry-ons and wouldn't allow her to enter the security line. The friend had to take off the "pocketbook" and tuck it into her carryon to be allowed in the queue.
Weird, but an absolutely true story. (Of course, Chicago was a horrible airport experience for us overall, so we probably should have been prepared for this. See my trip report "Four Women, Two Weeks, One Rental Car" for more info.)
Just one more thing to "worry about."
Gayle
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:05 PM
#24
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I thought it looked like a great idea and so bought one, but somehow I ended up carrying the thing in my hand most of the time I was in the airports. I didn't like having it hanging around my neck because it irritated my skin. I'd take it off to get my boarding pass and ID out to go through security and then just not bother with trying to fit it back in the pouch.
I'll try it again on my next trip and give it the acid test, but, so far, I'm far from sold on it.
I'll try it again on my next trip and give it the acid test, but, so far, I'm far from sold on it.
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:25 PM
#25
" an overly-zealous (to my mind) airport security person insisted that my friend's passport wallet was a "carry on" and refused to let her through the security screen with it"
That is because it IS a carry on and has to go through the x-ray machine like everything else loose on your body. I put it in one of the little bins so it goes through first and then put everything else on the belt or in another bin. It is the first thing to come through the other end and it is back around my neck in an instant.
That is because it IS a carry on and has to go through the x-ray machine like everything else loose on your body. I put it in one of the little bins so it goes through first and then put everything else on the belt or in another bin. It is the first thing to come through the other end and it is back around my neck in an instant.
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:51 PM
#26
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Thank you for all the input—I love hearing everyone’s different opinions.
I’m not sure if I’ll get one or not, but you all had great advice. If I decide to get one, I’ll make sure it can’t fall out. SeaUrchin, I’m glad someone honest spotted your passport and returned it to you.
Suze, I haven’t received my messenger bag yet, but I think it has a exterior zipped pocket in back. Good point nytraveler and Suze to keep to your customary habits.
LoveItaly – laughing at the putting-it-in-the-trash story! Your method will probably work well for me.
Degas? Does it match your mint green thong?
I’m not sure if I’ll get one or not, but you all had great advice. If I decide to get one, I’ll make sure it can’t fall out. SeaUrchin, I’m glad someone honest spotted your passport and returned it to you.
Suze, I haven’t received my messenger bag yet, but I think it has a exterior zipped pocket in back. Good point nytraveler and Suze to keep to your customary habits.
LoveItaly – laughing at the putting-it-in-the-trash story! Your method will probably work well for me.
Degas? Does it match your mint green thong?
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:55 PM
#27
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I may be a dork, but I'm an organized dork.
As far as going through the security line, as I approach the screener,I put all sorts of smaller items...including my passport holder, cellphone, belt, keys, change, etc.,.....into a plastic ziploc baggie which I put in the little bin on the conveyor belt.
After I walk through the metal detector, I just pick up the whole baggie with everything in it. Saves a lot of time and I find it is an efficient way to handle that chore.
As far as going through the security line, as I approach the screener,I put all sorts of smaller items...including my passport holder, cellphone, belt, keys, change, etc.,.....into a plastic ziploc baggie which I put in the little bin on the conveyor belt.
After I walk through the metal detector, I just pick up the whole baggie with everything in it. Saves a lot of time and I find it is an efficient way to handle that chore.
Apr 19th, 2006, 06:14 PM
#28
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As for looking "dorky"...
like those German walking hats, Mexican Sombreros, Guavera shirts, and "all I got was this lousy t-shirt" t-shirts don't look dorky?
I have a soft, thin, cloth one with a top zipper and bottom midway zipper. It does not set off metal detectors. I leave my wallet at home and use this thing the whole trip.
I figure if someone can get into my backpocket they might be able to get inside my pants too. This way that have to go up my shirt and into the zippers. I don't wear it on the outside except when in the airport. I keep my money in it as well. When I pull it out no one can see how much I have in it like a wallet and they know that they'll have to be pretty good to get at it.
Some say not to take any more precautions than you would at home. That is not wise. We must remember that some people are blessed to live in towns where they don't have to lock their front doors. Also, if your pocket gets picked at home, you wait till morning and go down to the local state or county offices get new IDs, go to your bank withdraw some money, cancel your credit cards and wait a couple of days for the new ones to arrive. When you are overseas it is not quite as convenient. If you don't go with the neck thing then go with the belly thing or the ankle thing but PLEASE do SOMETHING.
like those German walking hats, Mexican Sombreros, Guavera shirts, and "all I got was this lousy t-shirt" t-shirts don't look dorky?
I have a soft, thin, cloth one with a top zipper and bottom midway zipper. It does not set off metal detectors. I leave my wallet at home and use this thing the whole trip.
I figure if someone can get into my backpocket they might be able to get inside my pants too. This way that have to go up my shirt and into the zippers. I don't wear it on the outside except when in the airport. I keep my money in it as well. When I pull it out no one can see how much I have in it like a wallet and they know that they'll have to be pretty good to get at it.
Some say not to take any more precautions than you would at home. That is not wise. We must remember that some people are blessed to live in towns where they don't have to lock their front doors. Also, if your pocket gets picked at home, you wait till morning and go down to the local state or county offices get new IDs, go to your bank withdraw some money, cancel your credit cards and wait a couple of days for the new ones to arrive. When you are overseas it is not quite as convenient. If you don't go with the neck thing then go with the belly thing or the ankle thing but PLEASE do SOMETHING.
Apr 20th, 2006, 02:36 AM
#29
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Obviously I wasn't clear. The screener who wouldn't let my friend through the line was the one way before the actually security machine. Of course we know that the little pocketbook/camera case and the passport wallet have to go through "the machine" with other objects. This was the screener who allowed us to enter the 30 minute line to get to the machine.
And her beef wasn't that it was around Maryanne's neck, but that she wasn't allowed to bring "three carryons" with her as she advanced continued through the airport. (It had nothing to do with getting it through the machine, trust me. The choice was that she could wear EITHER her passport wallet OR her little pocketbook/camera case until she got to "the machine," but she couldn't wear both because then she had too many carryons. It was absurd.)
I hope that clarifies things.
Gayle
And her beef wasn't that it was around Maryanne's neck, but that she wasn't allowed to bring "three carryons" with her as she advanced continued through the airport. (It had nothing to do with getting it through the machine, trust me. The choice was that she could wear EITHER her passport wallet OR her little pocketbook/camera case until she got to "the machine," but she couldn't wear both because then she had too many carryons. It was absurd.)
I hope that clarifies things.
Gayle
Apr 20th, 2006, 07:53 AM
#30
leonberger: Oh, that makes a huge difference. I thought you meant they wouldn't allow her to walk through the sreener wearing it.
I have never seen anything like your friend experienced. Pre-screeners have never even mentioned it. How weird.
I have never seen anything like your friend experienced. Pre-screeners have never even mentioned it. How weird.
Apr 20th, 2006, 09:33 AM
#31
<We must remember that some people are blessed to live in towns where they don't have to lock their front doors>
That is an interesting perspective.
I'm wondering maybe those of us who do similar when traveling to what we do at home all come from major urban areas, since we are already used to caution in crowds, always being aware of our surroundings, etc. (and where believe me I do lock my doors)?
That is an interesting perspective.
I'm wondering maybe those of us who do similar when traveling to what we do at home all come from major urban areas, since we are already used to caution in crowds, always being aware of our surroundings, etc. (and where believe me I do lock my doors)?
Apr 20th, 2006, 09:43 AM
#32
Good point Suze. I have lived in (very) large cities as well as small towns and traveled quite a bit.
I am more cautious when I travel but don't buy special items. I have 2 items I use for travel, a smaller wallet and a favorite hand bag which is the right size for my needs.
I am more cautious when I travel but don't buy special items. I have 2 items I use for travel, a smaller wallet and a favorite hand bag which is the right size for my needs.
Apr 20th, 2006, 10:06 AM
#33
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I've lived in an urban area for thirty years and am pretty street-smart, but I don't find inconvenient or silly to use a money belt when travelling. I also don't understand how it could make me look dorky (that is, dorkier than I usually look) or like a target, since it's hidden under my clothes. I keep my walking-around money in my shoulder bag and don't dip into the money belt in public.
It only takes a less than a second of inattention to be robbed, when on vacation I prefer to be concentrating on things other than guarding my purse and, has been pointed out, it's a lot more inconvenient to be robbed abroad than at home.
I speak as somebody who ended up in the emergency room after being dragged along the street by motorscooter-riding thieves in Palermo. Fortunately, my passport, ATM card, cash reserves, etc., were in my money belt, since I was in no mood to have to deal with those practicalities after the event.
Incidentally, the police told me at the time that even carrying a purse crosswise is no guarantee of security, since some of the motorscooter bandits will still grab it, and then when the victim has been knocked over, pull it over the victim's head.
I really don't care if anybody how anybody else carries their valuables, but I'd prefer not to be characterized as some kind of hayseed alarmist for choosing to use a money belt.
It only takes a less than a second of inattention to be robbed, when on vacation I prefer to be concentrating on things other than guarding my purse and, has been pointed out, it's a lot more inconvenient to be robbed abroad than at home.
I speak as somebody who ended up in the emergency room after being dragged along the street by motorscooter-riding thieves in Palermo. Fortunately, my passport, ATM card, cash reserves, etc., were in my money belt, since I was in no mood to have to deal with those practicalities after the event.
Incidentally, the police told me at the time that even carrying a purse crosswise is no guarantee of security, since some of the motorscooter bandits will still grab it, and then when the victim has been knocked over, pull it over the victim's head.
I really don't care if anybody how anybody else carries their valuables, but I'd prefer not to be characterized as some kind of hayseed alarmist for choosing to use a money belt.
Apr 20th, 2006, 10:26 AM
#35
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KT, I think the items that some people are calling dorky are the passport wallets that flap around your neck while you're running through the airport--not money belts.
What an awful experience for you in Palermo.
I'm not sure what method I will use to carry my passport, etc. through the airport, but I will definitely be wearing a money belt during my trip.
What an awful experience for you in Palermo.
I'm not sure what method I will use to carry my passport, etc. through the airport, but I will definitely be wearing a money belt during my trip.
Apr 20th, 2006, 11:11 AM
#36
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Maire, I realize that it started out about those neck wallets, but it somehow morphed so that there were several mentions of how a money belt was unnecessary and touristy, and that's been said plenty of times on this board. I guess I'm just a bit touchy on this issue, and I have the scars to prove it.
The Palermo experience wasn't totally without redeeming value: it makes for a great travel story--as they say, the worst travel experiences make the best travel stories--and the doctors in the emergency room were quite nice to look at (yes, I realize that's a tacky comment to make).
The Palermo experience wasn't totally without redeeming value: it makes for a great travel story--as they say, the worst travel experiences make the best travel stories--and the doctors in the emergency room were quite nice to look at (yes, I realize that's a tacky comment to make).
Apr 20th, 2006, 11:16 AM
#37
KT, please understand that because some people do not use a money belt does not mean we recommend the same for others (speaking for myself anyway).
I can't think of a single traval website or guidebook (not forum) that say they are not an extremely good idea.
That said, I do not put money belts in the same category (necessity) as the neck things for your passport at airports (which I view as a possible convenience but not to do with security).
I can't think of a single traval website or guidebook (not forum) that say they are not an extremely good idea.
That said, I do not put money belts in the same category (necessity) as the neck things for your passport at airports (which I view as a possible convenience but not to do with security).
Apr 20th, 2006, 11:33 AM
#38
KT, sorry to hear about your experience.
I certainly didn't mean to imply that money belts are useless; I have my own method of using a safety pin and a deep pocket! I just think some items marketed for travel are needless and quite expensive. Only an opinion which I don't expect others to share.
I certainly didn't mean to imply that money belts are useless; I have my own method of using a safety pin and a deep pocket! I just think some items marketed for travel are needless and quite expensive. Only an opinion which I don't expect others to share.
Apr 20th, 2006, 11:34 AM
#39
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Suze, I don't put them in the same category, either. Actually, that's why I was reading this thread: though I'm wedded to my money belt I don't use a passport wallet and was wondering whether maybe I should. (So far, I'm thinking "just another thing to keep track of" based on the way I normally organize and carry things.)
Sorry if I overreacted.
Sorry if I overreacted.
Apr 20th, 2006, 11:39 AM
#40
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Incidentally, esm, I agree that most "travel gadgets" are needless and expensive. I can't really think of any that I have, except for my inflatable pillow for the plane and my money belt. (Unless tiny plastic bottles count...)
